Trade Commentary

I think its about time to weigh in on the Twins trade today for Bret Boone. Although Boone's only hitting .231, he has 7 HRs and 34 RBIs, which is a lot more than what the Twins have gotten from their other options. Boone is a career .266 hitter and .271 at the Metrodome. Basically, none of the other options have worked well. Luis Rodriguez did good enough, but he's needed now to play third. Nick Punto is a good utility man and a great bench player, but I'm not sure he's an adept starter yet. And Luis Rivas should not be a major leaguer. Its a surprise to me he's played a game this year, even if he's been decent the last few games. (It was the Royals. Not that impressive really)

Realistically, Boone can only improve this team. He brings veteran leadership, a solid glove at second (four Gold Gloves) and of course, a bat that produced a .331, 37 HR, 141 RBI season. I dont think Boone will produce like that again, but he should be solid. He's hit a lot better on the road this year and of course, Seattle doesn't exactly play in a hitter's park like the Dome. I'd expect Boone to hit around .270 the reason of the season, with 10-15 HRs and 40 RBI. Anything above that would be a gift and if he doesnt produced that much, its not like Rivas or Punto would do any better. Basically, I think Twins fans should looked foward to this, and like Nick Nelson said, see that at least Terry Ryan is trying something. Lets just hope for visions of Shannon Stewart, a la 2003.